014 U// 040$ O 



BOLLINGER 
pH 8.5 

MILL RUN F3-1544 



F 74 




.L67 


U7 


Copy 


1 



/ 






<^t- ^-^^^^^s^^ 



<- < 



'■;> .CENTURY DISCOURSE. 7^- -^ 

!• Samuel vii, 12. 

JHTHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED tJS. '* 

i\\vvas a memorable day, on which Samuel expressed 
thiagrateful and pious acknowledgement of the good- 
ness of God to Israel. By a wonderful interposition 
of pro^y^cc the nati(5n had been delivered froiri 
mipendi^g Ir'uin. When, they wcre^ trembling in ex- 
pectation of a* calamitous defeat, //;e Lord thundered 
'With a great thunder upon the Philibluies, and they 
were smiiten before Israel Then Samuel took a 
stone, and set it up bctii:een AUspeh and Shen, and 
called the name of it Ehen-ezer, saying, hitherto 

HATH THE LORD HELPED US ^ 

The subjects of God's providential care and gra- 
cious smiles have constant occasion to erect monu- 
ments to his goodness. It is a duty u'e owe our divine 
Benefactor to maintain a lively sense of our depend- 
liiiice upon him, and to review with gratitude and 
humility his past dealings with us. There are pel'iods 
•n our lives, when we should, in a special manner, 
regard the work qfthe Lord, and consider the oper- 
ations of his hands; and there are particular seasons 
^which every civil and religious community should 
spend in calling to mind events, the fruits of which 
■ they are reaping. The ancient people of God were 



V 
y^ \ 



4 

required to remember the days of old, the years of 
many generations; and the practice of observing cer- 
tain fixed portions of time for commemorating past 
dispensations of providence was enjoined upon them 
by divine authority. God established a testimony in 
Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he com- 
manded their fathers, that they sliouhl make them 
known to their children; that the generation to come 
might know them, even the children which should be 
born: who should arise and declare them to their 
children; that they might set their hope in goi/ 

AND NOT FORGET THE WORKS OF GOD; BUT KB',? 
HIS COMMANDMENTS. f 

It is no less beneficial than pleasing to cultivate an 
acquaintance with the history of ancient times. The 
inquisitive and serious are not only amused, but essen- 
tially improved, by inquiring into the origin and pro- 
gress of states and empires, and especially of the church 
of God. "By knowing the things that have been, 
they become better judges of the things that are;" and 
by tracing the footsteps of Jehovah through past ages, 
they obtaini^imOTe elevated and affecting views of his 
character and i>;overnment. 

If a knowledge of history in general be thus useful, 
it certainly cannot be unprofitable to know the char- 
acter and circumstances of our ancestors, and the past 
events which are intimately connected with our present 
condition. The displays of divine goodness in the set- 
tlement and growth of the towns and churches in this 
vicinity demand a grateful acknowledgment and per- 
petuation. Durable as the everlasting hills should be 
the monuments raised in honor of Him, who was the 
God of our fathers, and who has been the Friend and 
Shield of their offspring. We are under sacred obli- 



gatlons to remember, and shew to the generation to 

come, THE PUAISES OF THE LORD, AND HIS STRENGTH^ 
AND HIS WONDERFUL WORKS THAT HE HATH DONE. 

Having- obtained help of God, tve continue unto tJii^ 
day, and are assembled in his house for the puipo&;e of 
reviewing a series of events, which should remind us of 
our obligations to love, and fear, and serve him. The 
last of one hundred years since the incorporation of 
this town is now closing.* With the elapse of these 
years many things have taken place, which are worthy 
of recollection. The occasion invites, curiosity impels, 
and ii' sense of duty should incline us to look back to 
our "day of small things" and examine the progress 
we have been making to our present condition. One 
generation shall praise thy tvorks, Lord, to anothe\;. 
They shall abundantly idler the memoi'y of thy great 
goodness, and sing of thy righteousness. 

The territory we inhabit was, for many years, in- 
cluded \A ithin the bounds of Cambridge, and distin- 
guished from other parts of the town by the r;ame of 
Cambridge Farms. ''Cambridge appears, in the first 
instance, to have contained merely a sufiicient tract of 
land for a fortified town." As early as 1634, only 
three years after the first settlement of the place, "the 
number of inhabitants had become disproportioned to 
the township." They "complained of straitness for 
want of land, especially meadow, and desired leave of 
the Council to look out either for enlar2;ement or re- 



• The act of incorporation bears date, ?.larcli 20, 1712. When it is 
remembered that the year was then considered as beginning- on ihe 'J5.h 
lof March, and that a diflTerence of eleven days between Old and Ncv/ 
Stile must be allowed, it will at once be perceived that the date of the 
Virtcorporating act, according to the present mode of cunipulin;;' iii«e, 
would be March 31, 1713. 



moval, which was granted,"* In 1636, about a hun- 
dred of the inhabitants, consisting of the principal part 
of Rev. Mr. Hooker's church and congregation, who 
came there in 1632, removed, "through a hideous and 
trackless wilderness to Connecticut."! The inhabi- 
tants which remained, soon ftnding their limits too nar- 
row, discovered a like propensity to emigrate. In the 
spring of 1644, the church was about to remove to 
Mattakeese, (now Yarmouth) where a settlement had 
then lately commenced. J To prevent this removal, 
'the General Court was pleased to grant them a tracFoi 
land at Shawshine, (Billerica) and another parcel ad- 
joining to Concord line, for the enlargement of their 
boundaries, and to enable the church and town to 
maintain the ministry, '§ It was at this time that the 
limits of Cambridge were so extended as to include 
what now constitutes the territory of this town. 

Previous to this, however, and probably as early as 
1640, some of the inhabitants of Cambridge took pos- 
session of several tracts of land and bea;an to erect 
buildings within the limits of this place || They first 
occupied the meadows, some of which were found 
open and fertile, and hence better prepared for imme- 

* Dr. Iloimes' Hist, of Cam- Gov. Wintlu-op's Journal. fibid. 

+ Winthrop's journal, p. 152, 183. 

§ Records and Documents in the Secretary of State's Office, under 
the date of 1641, and 1683. — The act referred to passed in the following 
words: "Shawshine is granted to Cambridge without any condition of 
making- a village there; and the land between them and Concord is grant- 
ed tliem, all save what is formerly granted to the military company, pro, ■ 
vidcd the church present continue at Cambridge." 

!| In 1642, the proprietors of land in this town were Herbert Pelham, 
Richard Champney, Edward Goffe, John Bridge, Edward Collins, John 
Russell, Goldon Moore, Edward Winship, Richard Park, John Betts, 
and Thomas Danforlh, — N. B. For this note and several other partic'dars 
I am indebted to the kind assistance of William Winthrop, Esq. of Cam 
bridge. 



diatc improvement than the upland. It cannot cer-^ 
tainly be ascertained at what period permanent settle., 
ments were effected; but it must have been not far from 
the time when the land was granted to Cambridge — 
The inhabitants, for several years, were few, and had 
numerous inconveniences and hardships to encounter. 
They were necessarily destitute of many things which 
we regard as essential to a comfortable subsistence. 
In addition to the labor of subduing a wilderness, they 
long endured severe trials in being often threatened 
with savage violence and cruelty, and in having but 
few advantages for religious instruction and social en- 
joyment. 

The settlement, however, progressed, and the em- 
barrassments, with which it was at first attended, grad- 
ually diminished. In 1662, the number of families 
had increased to about thirty, and the number of souls 
to one hundred and eighty. They had now no op- 
portunity of attending public worship without trav- 
elling from five to ten miles. Earnestly desirous that 
they and their children might enjoy, in a much great- 
er degree than it was possible for them under such cir- 
cumstances to enjoy, the ordinances of the Gospel, in 
October 1683, they presented a petition to the Gener- 
al Court, praying for liberty to become a parish.* 
The inhabitants of Cambridge zealously opposed their 
being separated, and the petition was not granted. 
They renewed their application in 1684: and'the Court, 
at this time, so far listened to their request as to ap- 
point a committee to examine the place and establish 

* Tiv.s petition was signed and jirescnted in behalf uf tlie iiiliabitariis, 
by James Cutler, Mattliew Brid^^e, jun. David Fiske, sen. Sainu.l Stcne, 
sea. Francis Whitniorci John Tidd, Ep'araim Winsliip, and J')li:i Winter' 



bounds for a parish. This committee performed the 
eervice assigned them; but the oppos'tion of Cambridge 
was so great that the prayer of the petitioners was 
again rejected. Conscious of the rectitude of their in- 
tentions, they again renewed their petition in 1691. 
The Court, convinced of the propriety of their request, 
^'ordered and granted," December 15, 1691, "that the 
petitioners be permitted and allowed to invite and set- 
tle an able and orthodox minister for the dispensing 
of the Gospel among them." The bounds of the par- 
ish were ordered to be the same as those pointed ouf 
by the committee in 1684, and very near the same as 
those of the town at the present day.* 

Previous to their being thus formed into a parish, 
the inhabitap.ts of this place were under the pastoral 
care of the lie v. Messrs. Thomas Shepherd, Jonathan 
Mitchpl', Urian Oaks, and Nathaniel Gookin. Mr. 
Shepherd came to New England, "with the people 
wiiich were to constitute his society," in 1635. The 
church, over wiiich he presided till his death, was 
gathered, February 1, 1636. It was the eleventh 
church organized in the colony, and the first perma- 
nent church in Cambridge. Mr. Shepherd, died, Au- 
gust 25, 1649. He was succeeded by Mr. Mitchell, 
August 2i, 1650, who died, July 9, 1668. Mr. Oaks 
succeeded Mr. Mitchel, November 8, 1671, and died, 
July 25, 1681. Mr. Gookin was ordained, November 
15, 1682, and died, August 7, I693.t--Under the iVAn- 

* Records and documents in Uie Secretary's office. — Lexington origin> 
ally incliided a par! of Lincoln and a part of Bedford. It lias of late had 
a small part ofBurlinj^ton annexed to it. It is now bounded on the northi 
cast by Burlington and Woburn, on the south-east by Wesi-Cambridge 
and Waltham, on the south-west by Wallham, on the west by Lincoln! 
and on the north-west by Bedford. It contains 10,300 acres. 
t Dr. Holmes' Hist, of Cam. and Century Sermon, 



9 

istry of these learned and eminently pious servants 
of Christ, our ancestors were instructed in those 
doctrines of grace, which are the pillars and the glory 
of the christian system. It was notin consequence of any 
disaffection to their religious teacher, or to the church 
and society with which they were connected, that 
they requested to be separated from them, but it was, 
thai, they and the generations which should succeed 
them might enjoy the privilege of uniformly waiting 
\ipon God in the way of his appointment. 

Immediately after they were constituted a parish 
they began to make provision for carrying the objects 
of their incorporation into effect. A sum of money 
was raised by subscription for the purpose of erecting 
a house of public worship; and it was probably early 
in the summer of 1092 that the first house was erect- 
ed. April 22, 1692, they invited Mr. Benjamin Es- 
tabrook to preach with them a year, and made pro- 
vision for his support. He accepted the invitation and 
commenced his labors on the first sabbath in May. 

At this early period the inhabitants discovered a 
provident and pious care for the support of the minis- 
try. In April, 1693, they purchased of the town, for 
this purpose, "twelve acres of common land on the 
east side of the causeway, and the rest of the common 
land on the other side, and on the south side of vine- 
brook meadow."* By this purchase they laid the 
foundation of a fund, the income of which is now ad- 
equate to the support of a minister. 

• This land was surveyed in 1762, and the three pieces found to con- 
tain 148 aeres, and 55 and a half rods- The piece on the northerly side 
of the causeway, containing about five acres, was sold in 1770. 

2 

» 



j|L 



10 

Mr. Estabrook continued in the place and enjoyed 
the confidence and esteem of the people. The anxiety 
they manifested for his settlement and their exertions 
to provide for his support indicate a strong attachment 
to him. In the summer of 1694, they built and gave 
him a house, on condition of his becoming and con- 
tinuing their minister.* Their pecuniary embarrass- 
ments, however, were such that they made but slow 
progress in preparations for his settlement. It was not 
till April 13, 1696,that they made him their final prop- 
ositions for his maintenance. On the third of June 
following he gave an affirmative answer to their call, 
and on the twenty-first of the ensuing October the 
services of his ordination were performed. 

At the time of his ordination, Mr. Estabrook had 
been laboring with the people in word and doctrine 
about four years and six months. They were bound 
to each other by many strong and endearing ties. 
Satisfied with means of support which could promise 
him no more than a comfortable subsistence, he was 
encouraged and animated by the prospect of doing 
good and obtaining the final reward of a faithful ser- 
vant; and the litde flock intrusted to his care were 
rejoicing in the hope of being long blessed with the 
labors of one, whom they loved as a friend and revered 

as a good minister of Christ But the period was 

short in which they v/ere permitted to rejoice in his 
light. He, who worketh all things after the counsel 
of his own will, saw fit to disappoint their expecta- 
tions and damp their joy by soon depriving them of 

* The house was 42 by 18 feet. It stood a few rods east of viue« 
brook and back of the house now occupied by Mr. Benjamin Gieen- 



11 

their pastor. He died, July 22, 1697, havir.o lived to 
complete only nine months of his ministry.* 

The church, which was gathered on the day of Mr. 
Estabrook's ordination, consisted, at the time of his 
decease, of thirty-three members. The original number 
was twelve.f During his ministry twenty-one wer*^ 
added, nine of which were by letters of dismission from 
other churches. 

Soon after the death of Mr. Estabrook, the atten- 
tion of the society was directed to Mr. John Hancock J. 
On the seventeenth of November, 1 697, they made 
choice of him to preach with them till May following, 
as a candidate for settlement. He complied with the 
invitation they gave him, accepted proposals for ordi- 
nation which were made to him in February succeed- 
ing, and was consecrated to the pastoral office, No* 
vember 2, 1698.§ 

• Mr Estabrook graduated at Harvard CoUeg'e in 1690. — On his tom'.j- 
stone is the following inscription: 

HERE LIETH INTERRED THE REMAINS OF 

MR. BENJAMIN ESTABROOK, 

LATE AND FIRST TASTOR OF THE CHURCH 

OF CHRIST IN THIS PLACE, 

SON TO THE REV. MR. JOSEPH ESTABROOK, 

PASTOR OF THE CHURCH IN CONCORD, 

WHO DEPARTED FROM US TO CHRIST, 

JULY 22, A. D. 1697. 

AGED 26 TEARS AND FIVE MONTHS, 
VIRTUS ANTEIT ANNOS. 

f The following are the names of the first members, viz. Benjamin 
Estabrook, David Fisk, Samtiel Stone, John Russell, Israel Mead, 
Thomas Cutler, David Fiske, jun. Samuel Whiltemore, William Uead, 
John Miriam, Samuel Sione, jun. Thomas Miriam. 

i He was a son of Mr. Nathaniel Hancock of Cambridge. lie gradu- 
ated a' Hai'vard College in 1689, 

§ The Rev. Mr, Willard of Boston gave the charge, and the llev. M'- 
Sstubroak of Concord the right hand of fellowship. 



125 

The increase of inhabitants and property, and va- 
rious inconveniences to which they were subjected 
by remaining a part of Cambridge, inclined the people 
to petition for a separation from the town. Accord- 
ingly a committee was appointed in October, 1712, to 
'present their address to the town of Cambridge and 
to the General Court,' requesting that they might be 
"confirmed and established as a township." The 
terms of separation were amicably adjusted, and an 
act passed, March 20, O. S. 1713, incorporating the 
town by the name of Lexington. 

The house, in which they had now worshipped 
about twenty years, being found too small for the ac- 
commodation of the inhabitants and too inelegant for 
their taste, they voted, January 26, 1713, to build a 
new one; and. in the course of the two following sea- 
sons, the second house of public worship was erected 
and completed. Religious services were performed in 
it, the first time, October 17, 1714. 

Tile records of the town afford evidence of the faith- 
ful exertions of our ancestors to discountenance idle- 
, ness and vice, and to maintain a respectful observance 
of divine institutions. In December, 1728, the select- 
men summoned a person to appear before them and 
"answer to a complaint, they being informed that he 
loitered about, and spent his time idly, and behaved 
himself very disorderly;" and committees were repeat- 
edly appointed to 'take prudent care that children and 
youth be restrained fiom iiregular conduct in time of 
public worship, and to prevent the profanation of the 
Sabbath.' 

In 1734, a thousand acres of land were granted the 
town by the General Court, to assist in defraying its 
proportion of the expense of supporting the bridge over 



13 

€5harles river in Cambridge. Portions of this liad 
were annually leased, till it was sold in 1737. The 
proceeds of the sale afforded the town a considerable 
income for several years; but were finally lost in con- 
sequence of the depreciation of paper money.* 

In November, 1733, Mr. Ebenezer Hancock was 
invited to settle in this place, as colleague with his fa- 
ther. After completing his collegiate studies in 1728, 
he took the charge of a school in town, in which em- 
ployment he continued till nearly three years after his 
ordination. His distinguished talents and virtues se- 
cured him the high esteem and ardent affection of the 
people. The advantages they hoped to derive from 
his pastoral labors among them disposed them cheer- 
fully to undertake the additional expense of his sup- 
port, when the annual demands upon them already 
were a burden which they seemed hardly able to bear. 
He was pressed "with repeated earnestness to a settle- 
ment elsewhere;" but "the advice and counsel of men 
of judgment and letters," his desire to ease the task 
of a beloved father in the evening of his life, his at- 
tachments to the people with whom he had spent the 
first of his years, and his belief that this was the place 
which God had pointed out for his ministerial labors, 
induced him to accept proposals for a settlement hei^e. 
He was ordained, January 2, 1734. f 

* One of the propositions made by Camhiidge to tlie inhabitants of 
this town, in 1713, and to which they agreed, as a condition of separa- 
tion, was the following, viz. ''The fannera, upon their being <lismjssed 
from the town, shall annnaliy pay to oi;r town treasurer such a propoi-ticn 
of our part of the charge of the great bridge over Charles liver iii Cam- 
bridge, as shall fall to them according to their annual prop()iti<,ii with us 
in the province tax." The land granted the town to assist in di.-f!a_>tng 
this expense, lay in Uorchcster-Canada, now Asliburnham. 

+ His fa'vlier preaclied and gave the charge. Tiie R.ev. M;-. 'WiliijUis 
of Weston cxpr<;ssed the fellowship of the cluirchcs. 



u 

Mr. E. Hancock entered upon his ministerial labors 
with bright and encouraging prospects. The Holy 
Ghost had made him an overseer of a flock which he 
tenderly loved, and whose confidence he enjoyed. 
The church was large and respectable, and religion 
was in a flourishing state But, alas! he was not suf- 
fered to continue by reason of death. Having served 
as a son with his father in the gospel only about six 
years, he died suddenly, January 28, 1740, in the thir- 
tieth year of his age. — He was highly esteemed as a 
scholar, a man of eminent piety, and an able and 
faithful minister of Christ. He was an example of the 
believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit^ 
in faith, in purity. His praise was in all the churches., 
and he "died greatly and universally lamented." 

After his death, his venerable father, though far ad- 
vanced in life, and visited with affliction upon afflic- 
tion,* continued to perform the duties of his oflice 
nearly thirteen years. "Instead of sinking in the day 
of adversity, or having his gray hairs brought with 
sorrow to the grave, his spirit revived, his health re- 
turned, and his strength was so far confirmed, that he 
carried on the work of the ministry with as much or 
more zeal and fervency of spirit than ever.^'f His peo- 
ple were attentive to his necessities, gave him comfort 
by manifesting an increasing love and tenderness to 
him, and encouiaged his heart by faithfully attending 
his ministrations. 

But the time of his departure at length came. He 
preached with uncommon fervor the sabbath previous 

• His eldest son, tlie Rev. Jolin Hancock of Bra'intrce, "a very elegant 
and accomplished preacher," died in 1744. 
i Dr. Appleton*s discourses on liis death. 



15 

to his decease,* and enjoyed his usual health till the 
night after Tuesday, the fifth of December, 1752, when 
he was awoke from sleep by pains, from which he 
was soon relieved by the sleep of death. He died in 
the eighty second year of his age, and fifty foui th of 
his ministry. 

The Rev. John Hancock was possessed, in an unu- 
sual degree, of qualifications which fitted him for the 
station in which he was placed. The great Father of 
spirits formed him for the people of this town. He 
was gentle among them, even as a nurse cherisheth her 
children; and being affectionately desirous ofthemfjoas 
willing to have imparted to them, not the gospel of God 
only, hut also his own soul, because they were dear to 
him. "I have studied," said he in one of his addresses 
to them, "that I might not be burdensome to you. 
You know how these hands of mine have ministered 
unto my necessities, and how I have borne the burden 
with ycu in the day of your small things," His nat- 
ural capacities, acquired accomplishments, and gra- 
cious endowments, not only made him a pleasant com- 
panion, but gained him a general esteem and respect, 
and rendered him eminently and extensively useful in 
a great variety of wa} s. He was a lover of peace, 
and peculiarly calculated to heal existing contentions 
and prevent discords and animosities. His facetious 
temper and ready wit enabled him often to scatter the 
clouds of melancholy that hung upon people's spirits, 
and excite a pleasant cheerfulness; and his mild and 
gentle counsels and reproofs frequently had the effect 
of softening the tempers and correcting the ill humors 
of men. He had an uncommon vivacity of spirit. 

* His texts were, Luke 2, 49, and Rora. 5, 12. 



16 

He was hospitable, cheerful, active, diligent, and ready 
to every good work. He was early in the morning 
and early in the week at his studies and in his prep- 
arations for the sabbath. By the sound doctrines, the 
wise counsels, and the moving exhortations with 
which he entertained his hearers, he made it appear 
that he gave attention to reading and meditation and 
was a scribe well instructed to the kingdom of heaven. 
He was an able and zealous advocate of the distin- 
guishing doctrines of Christianity. His preaching was 
such as is calculated to alarm the impenitent, to make 
sinners in Zion afraid, to guide inquiring souls to 
Christ, and to encourage saints to be followers of them 
^vho through faith and patience inherit the promises. 
The usefulness of Mr. Hancock was not confined 
to the church and people in this place. He was much 
resorted to for counsel and assistance, so that the care 
of neighboring churches in a manner came upon 
him.* Wherever he was known, he was respected 
and loved by the people of God for his learning, his 
wisdom, his piety, and his fidelity in the cause of 
Christ, t 

* For more than 30 years> he was the senior ininister in this part of 
tlie country. On account ot" his age and gravity he was long honored 
with tlie title of Bishop. He gave the solemn charge to twenty one min- 
isters, the lust of which was the late Dr. Gushing of Waltham. 

■f 1!ie above remarks upon the character of Mr. Hancock are principal- 
ly compiled from one of the sermons preached the sabbath after liis fune- 
ral by Dr. Appleton of Cambridge. His printed discourses are, 

1. A sermon at the General Election, 1722, Luke 22, 25. 

2. A sermon at the ordination of liis son in Braintree, 1726. Luke 24, 49. 
o. A sermon at the ordination of his son in Lexington, 1734. 2 Cor 1. 24. 

4. A sermon at the public lecture in Boston, November 21, 1734, before 
his Excellency the Governor and the General Court. Jer. 5, 5. 

5. A sermon at the installation of the Rev. Timothy Harrington in 
Lancaster, November IC, 1743. 1 Cor. 9, 19. 



17 

During liis ministry, 445 were added to the church 
by profession, and 32 by letter; 180 owned the cov- 
enant, and 1637 were baptized. 

After his death, several gentlemen were employed 
as candidates for settlement. April 25, 1754, was ob- 
served as a day of fasting and prayer, preparatory to 
the choice of a minister. In June following, Mr. Aa- 
ron Putnam received an invitation to settle here; but, 
in consequence of opposition to his settlement, gave a 
negative answer. 

In July, 1755, my worthy predecessor, the Uev. 
Jonas Clark, Was called to the pastoral office in this 
place, and was ordained on the fifth of tlie ensuing 
November.* — Between the death of Mr. Hancock 
and the ordination of Mr. Clark, six were admitted to 
the church by letters of dismission from other churches; 
four owned the covenant, and fifty six were baptized. 
• The inhabitants of this town early manifested a firm 
and spirited attachment to the rights and liberties of the 
country. In October, 1765, they publicly expressed 
their apprehension of the dangers which thieatened the 
colonies, and particularly their opposition to the noted 
Stamp Act. In December, 1767, they "unanimously 
voted to concur with the town of Boston in their re- 
solves respecting importing and using foreign com- 
modities." Sensible of the importance of seeking di- 
vine direction in times of public difficulty and distress, 
they set apart a day for public fasting and prayer, in 
the autumn of 1768, on account of the alarming sit- 

• Mr. Clark was a native of Newton. He graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege, 1752. At his ordination, the Rev. Mr. Lawrence of Lincoln made 
the introductory prajer; the Rev. Dr. Appleton of Cambridge preached; 
the Rev. Mr. Cotton of Newton gave the charge; and the Rev. Mr. 
Cook of Cambridge, the riglU hand of fellowship, 

3 



18 

uation of the country. In December, 1772, a com- 
mittee was appomted to correspond with committees 
of other towns ''on matters of common concern;" and 
at the same time, the town instructed their representa- 
tive ''in the great Court of Inquest for the prov- 
ince," to 'use his utmost influence that all mat- 
ters, in which the rights and liberties of the people 
were concerned, might be impartially inquired into, 
and dispassionately considered by the General Assem- 
bly; and that measures be pursued, by petition to the 
throne, or otherwise, as the Court in their wisdom 
should see fit, for a radical and lasting redress of griev- 
ances; that, whether successful or not, succeeding gen- 
eiaiions might know that they understood their rights 
and liberties, and were neither afraid nor ashamed to 
maintain them; and also that they might have this 
consolation, at least in their chains, that it was not 
through their neglect that the people were enslaved.' 
In December, 1773. resolves were passed prohibiting 
the use of teas, imported by the East- India company 
and expressing the readiness and determination of the 
people to concur with their brethren in Boston and 
other towns in every rational measure that might be 
necessary for the recovery and preservation of their 
rights and liberties. — It is but just to observe that, 
from the commencement of the contest between this 
country and Great Britain to the close of the revolu- 
ution, the inhabitants of this town manifested a spirit 
worthy of freemen. 

It was here, and but a fev/ rods from the place in 
which we are now assembled, that the first saci'ifice of 
lives, in defence of our country's rights, was made. 
Yonder monument revives a lively recollection of the 
alarms, anxieties, and distresses of the day, which open- 



19 

ed a long protracted scene of bloodshed and war in the 
land. — The mournful catastrophe of the nineteenth 
of April, 1775, is fresh in the memory of many of my 
hearers. You beheld the slaughter of your inoffend- 
ing fellow-citizens and friends. You heard the cries 
of the wounded and the dying. You saw your dwel- 
lings forsaken, plundered, and threatened with devour- 
ing flames. You beheld and shared in the calamities 

of that gloomy day Ten of the inhabitants of this 

town were slain, and ten wounded by the British 
troops; five buildings were destroyed by fue; and 
cloathing, furniture, and provisions and goods of vari- 
ous description, to a large amount were pillaged and 
wasted.* 

The nineteenth of April was "statedly observed" in 
this place, during the war, "by a respectable appear- 
ance of the militia in arms, and a solemn assembly of 
the whole congregation in the house of God, to drop 
a tear upon the graves, and mourn over the ashes of 
their slaughtered friends; religiously to notice and ac- 
knowledge the hand of God; humbly to express their 
confidence in him, as the righteous and powerful 

• A particular account of the interesting events of this day was pub- 
lished in an appendix to tiie Rev. Mr. Clark's sermon, delivered April 19, 
1776. General statements of the same facts may be found in the histo- 
ries of the revolution. Referring my readers to tliese sources of infor- 
mation, I sliall only add here the following list of sufferers in Lexington. 
The persons Hilli"d in the morning were, Robert Munroe, Jonas Parker, 
Samuel Hadley, Jonathan Harrington, jiin. Isaac Muzzy, Caleb Harring- 
ton, and John Brown; wounded, Jedediah Munroe, Thomas Wlnship, 
Nathaniel Farmer, John Robbins, Solomon Pierce, John Tidd, Joseph 
Comee, Ebenezer Mnnroe, jun. and Prince, a negro. In the afternoon, 
as the British troops were returning from Concord, Jedediah Munroe, 
John Raymond, and Nathaniel VVyman were killed; Francis Brown was 
wounded. The buildings destroyed by fire were, a iioiise and barn of 
Deacon Loring, a house of Mr. Josiuia Bond, a house of Mrs. Lydip, 
MuUiken, and a shop of Mr. Nathaniel MuUiken, 



20 

avenger of injured innocence; and devoutly to implore 
his presence and aid in the cause of their country, of 
posterity, and mankind."* 

In 1770, a large addition was made to the funded 
property of the town by the sale of wood on the min- 
isterial land for the use of the continental troops then 
stationed at Cambridge. The foundation of this fund, 
as I have before observed, was laid by the purchase 
of this land in 1693. From the time of the purchase, 
it afforded the town a gradually increasing income. 
At what period a permanent fund was established, I 
have not been able to ascertain; but it was not till the 
year 1781, that the annual interest and the income 
from the land were appropriated particularly to the 
support of the ministry. A large proportion of what 
now coiistitutcs the principal of the fund has been ob- 
tained by sales of timber and fuel in the course of forty 
years past.f The judicious management of these sales 
and of the proceeds of them entitles the gentlemen, 
who have comp<.seJ the committees appointed for the 
purpose, to the gratitude of the town. It is, in no 
smail degree, owing to their fidelity and economy, that 
the people have nut been mcumbcred with a ministerial 
tax for ;ii..re tnan fifteen years. 

* Appendix to Kev. Mr. Adams's sermon... The ministers v.'ho 
officiatC'i on Uiese occasions were, 

In 1776, Rev. J.jiiu-^ Clark, of this town... foel iii, 15, 20 21. 

— 177r, Rev. Samuel Cooke of Cunibrulge. .Exodii.s x^ ii, 14, 15, 16. 

— 1778, Rev. Jiicob Ciishmg of Waliiium . .D-iit. .xxxii, 45. 

— l7'iV, Rev. San-.uel Woodward ot Wesion. ..1 Sam vii, 12. 

• — 17 80, Rev. Isa;.c Morrill of Wilmington.... I'salm xxvii, 13, 14. 
•— ]/>-'l, Uev. Henry Cummings of Billerica... Psalm Ixxvi, 10. 

— 1782, Rev. Phillips Payson of Clieisea ..Exodus xii, 14, 

— 1763, Rev. Zalid'ol Adams of Lunenburg-h....Gen. 1, 20. 

■j- All ■iddition of about 230Q dollars, the amount of what the pews in the 
meeting-house sold fur above the cost of the house, was made in 1795. 



21 

In 1784, the house, now improved by the towri for 
the accommodation of the poor, was built. 

The people of this town were firm and resolute in 
opposition to the rebellious spirit which confused the 
state in 1786. In an address to the town of Boston, 
they observed, "we feel ourselves, equally with you, 
interested and affected in the commotions and disor- 
ders that have taken place in the Commonwealth, to 
the weakening of constitutional government, the ob- 
struction of a due administration of justice, and pre- 
venting the course of the laws of the land; and while 
we stand ready to every exertion, which wisdom 
may dictate, for obtaining a redress of any grievances 
under which we or our fellow citizens may groan, you 
may rest assured that nothing on our part shall be 
wantins:, for the confirmation and establishment of the 
social compact, the support of the honor, dignity, and 
authority of constitutional government and the execu- 
tion of the laws of the land." 

The house, in which we are now assembled, was 
built in 1794.* The service of dedication was per- 
formed by the Rev. Mr. Clark, January 15, 1795. — 
May the sacred edifiee long stand, a house of habita- 
tion for God, a temple filled from sabbath to sabbath 
with solemn worshippers. 

In 1799, the monument, which bears the names, of 
those who were slain on the morning of the nineteenth 
of April, 1775, was erected "by the inhabitants of this 

• It stands 20 feet hack of tlic j^ronnd covered by Uk' formes- one 
The house, v\hic!> was l)'iik in l6;;l, stood not f;>r iVom ilie samR 
place 



22 

town, under the patronage and at the expense of the 
Commonwealth."* 

On the fifteenth of November, 1805, the church and 
society were again deprived of a pastor. — The Rev. 
Jonas Clark lived to enter upon the fifty-first year of 
his ministry, and to complete nearly the seventy-fifth 
of his age. To a large proportion of my hearers he 
was endeared by an intimate acquaintance and many 
labors of love. He was with you in seasons of pros- 
perity and joy, and in times of peril and distress. You 

• On tVie monument is the following inscription; 

Sacred to Liberty and the Rights of Mankind!!! 

The Freedom and Independence of America, 

Sealed and defended by the Blood of her Sons, 

This monument is erected 

By the Inhabitants of Lexington, 

Under the Patronage and at the Expense of 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 

To the Memory of their Fellow-Citizens, 

Ensign Robert Munroe, and Messrs. Jonas Parker, 

Satnuel HadLe^, 'Jonathan Harrington, jun. 
Issac Muzzy, Caleb Harrington, and John Brovn 

Of Lexington, and Ashael Porter of Woburn, 

Who fell, on this Field, the first Victims to the 

Sword of British Tyranny and Oppression, 

On the Morning of the ever Memorable 

Nine TEENTH of April An. Dom. 1775. 

The Die was cast!!! 

The blood of these Martyrs 

Was the Cement of the Union of these States, then 

Colonies; and gave the Spring to the Spirit, Firmness, 

And Resolution of their Fellow-citizens. 

They rose as one Man to revenge their Brethren's 

Blood, and at the Point of the Sword to assert and 

Defend their native Rights. 

They nobly dar'd to be free!! 

The contest was long, bloody, and affecting. 

Righteous Heaven approved the solemn Appeal. 

V^ictory crowned their arms: and 

Tlie Peace, Liberty, and Independence of the Uniteh 

States of America, was their Glouious Reward. 



£8 

well knew his manner of life, faitli, chdrity, patience, 
and afflictions. You remember with what seiious- 
ness and ardor he engaged in the services of religion; 
how instructive and consoling was his conversation in 
the chamber of sickness and the house of mourning; 
how appropriate, solemn, and impressive were his ad- 
dresses to the throne of grace, especially on unexpect- 
ed and mournful occasions; with what wisdom and 
prudence he sought to preserve the harmony and pro- 
mote the temporal and spiritual interests of the peo- 
ple of his charge; how firm and inflexible weie his at- 
tachments to his country in "the days which tried 
men's souls;" and how willing he was to spend and 
be spent in the cause of Christ. — That he was a be- 
liever in what are usually denominated the doctrines 
of grace, and that he was deeply sensible of the im- 
portance of a zealous and persevering defence of these 
doctrines, they who enjoyed his ministry can testify 
and his printed discourses afford ample evidence. 
In the following solemn and impressive language he 
described the necessity of ministerial fidelity. ''To be 
influenced by the fear, or flattery of men; to truckle 
to the humors of the vicious or depraved; to shun to 
declare the counsel of God for fear of offendina', or 
striking at the darling sins, lusts, or appetites of men; 
to deal deceitfully with the word of God, out of regard 
to favorites or friends; or to cause the truth of Christ 
to bow to the preconceived sentiments of fallible mor- 
tals, is utterly inconsistent with the dignity of the 
sacred character, and altogether unworthy the heav- 
enly trust reposed in the ministers of his kingdom. 
And should venal motives, fondness for applause or 
any other sordid desire, influence any to aim at pleas- 



24 

ihg men rather than God, so far the end of the minis- 
try is subverted, God dishonored, and the religion of 
Christ exposed to the malice and power of its bitterest 
enemies. And as to wretches in office, who are 
chargeable with such conduct as this, it is easy to see, 
that of all men, they are most justly exposed to the 
severest resentments of an angry God and the 
hottest thunderbolts of divine vengeance, for meanly 
betraying the very cause, which, by every sacred and 
endearing tie, they were so solemnly engaged to 
defend."* 

Had 1 been favored with a personal acquaintance 
with my highly respected predecessor, I should feel 
more competent than I now do to a just delineation 
of his character. As I had not that privilege, I shall 
only subjoin the following observations of that vener- 
able servant of Christ. t who addressed you from this 
place at his funeral. "Our deceased brother," said he, 
"believed in the fulness of that redemption which is in 
Christ, and depended on him for sanctification,as well 
as for righteousness to justitication, being equally con- 
cerned for both, convinced of the necessity and beauty 
of holiness, and desirous to glorify God in a holy obe- 
dience. He honored his Master, delighted in his work, 
and had a love tor precious souls. His good natural 
parts, his attainments in human literature, and his 
f'piritual gilts were a rich furniture for his ministerial 
office, and made him a workman that needed not to 
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word oj truth. He 
was a pattern of patience and resignation under his 

* Sermon at the ordiiKdioii of Mr. Muzzy, p. 17 
f The Rev« Dr. Gushing of Walihurr:. 



25 

many domestic aflflictions and painful trials in the 
course of his ministry. Through all the enfeebling in- 
fluence of his bodily diseases, he behaved with exem- 
plary composure of spii it, and with resignation to the 
will of God. He was not insensible of the hand of 
God upon him or of his own weakness and want of 
help from above; and while he found himself incapa- 
ble of his Master's work, his heart continued in it, and 
quietly waited the events of Providence. For several 
of his last days, he was, by reason of an additional dis- 
order, unable to discourse, perhaps incapable of reflec- 
tion; but was in the hands of the Almighty, who is 
just and holy in all his ways and works."* 

In the time of his ministry, the admissions to the 
church were, by profession, 387, and by letter, ten; 
69 owned the covenant, and 1040 were baptized. 

In May, 1807, Mr. Henry Colman, now pastor of 
a church in Hingham, received an invitation, which he 
declined accepting, to settle in this town. 

• Mr. Clark's publicalioiis are, 

J. A sermon preached to a religious society of young- men in Lexing- 
ton, irei— Prov. i, 9. 

2- A sermon at the ordination of the Kev. Josiah Bridge in K.Sudbury, 
ir61 — Luke X, 3 and 16. 

3. A sermon at the Artillery Election, 1768—2 Cliron. xvii, 16. 

4. A sermon on the use and excellence of vocal music in public wor- 
ship, prcaclied at an occasional lecture in Lexington, 1770 — Psaliu 
xlvii, 6, 7. 

5. A sermon, delivered April 19, 1776, with an appendix containing a 
narrative of the events of April 19, 1775. 

6. A sermon at llie General Election, 1781 — I'salm xlvii, 8, 9. 

7. A sermon at the ordination of ti)e Kev. Joseph Eslabrook in Athol, 
1787_Jer. iii, 15. 

•, A sermon at the ordination of the Rev. William Muzzy in Sullivan, 
N. H. iTi^-l Thess. ii, 4. 

4 



26 

On the fourth sabbath in August, 1807, your pres- 
ent pastor first addressed you from this desk. On the 
twelfth of the succeeding October, 1 received your 
unanimous call to take the oversight of you in the 
Lord-, and on the thirtieth of December, was solemnly 
consecrated to the work of the ministry among you.* 
I have reason to acknowledge with gratitude the kind- 
net^s you have manifested to me and my family. My 
heart's desire has been to preach to you the truth as it 
is in Jesus, to declare all the counsel of God, and to 
be instrumental of guiding you to the Shepherd and 
Bishop of souls; and my hands have been strengthen- 
ed and heart encouraged by finding, as I trust 1 have 
found in some instances, that I have not labored in 
vain, or spent my strength for naught. It is my 
prayer to the Father of mercies and God of all grace, 
tliat I may discharge the duties of my office with in- 
creasing fidelity, and that you may feel and manifest 
the power and spirit of the Gospel. 

After the death of Mr. Clark and previous to my 
settlement, four were added to the church, two owned 
the covenant, and eleven were baptized. Since my 
ordination, the admissions to the church have been 
thirty-seven; the baptisms seventy-five; two have own- 
ed the covenant, and seventy-five have been removed 
by death. 

It is now 116 years and about five months since a 
church was gathered in this place. In this period, 

• On this occasion, tlie Rev. Siimucl Gilenf Milton made the introduc- 
loi-y prayer, the Uev. Dr. Kendal of Weston preached from Tiius i, 9; 
the Rev. Mr. Marretl of Bvirlinijton made the consecrating- prayer; the 
Rev. Dr. Cushiiig of Waltham give the charge; the Rev. Mr. Fiske 
of West Cambridge gave the right hand of felh)v.ship; and the Rev. Dr. 
Stearns of Lincoln mado tlie concluding prayer. 



27 ■'^ 

seventeen deacons have been chosen and have ofTiciat- 
ed;* 9S4, including those who were engaged \i\ forming 
it, have been admitted to the fellowship of the church; 
257 have owned the covenant; and 2819 have been 
baptized — In the century, which is now closing, the 
admissions to the church have been 833; admissions 
to the baptismal covenant 200; baptisms 2410; and 
deaths 1446. 

Laudable attention has been paid by the inhabi- 
tants of this town to the education of their youth. 
They have generally been careful to employ and 
have made liberal provision for the support of able 
instructors. Though for several years, in latter times, 
unpleasant contests existed concerning the division of 
districts, at present harmony prevails, and the arrange- 
ments for schoolinG: are such as to afford the risins: 
generation, good advantages to become prepared for 
usefulness and respectability in Society. Since the 
incorporation of the town, thirty- one young gentle- 
men, who were natives of the town, or whose parents 

• John Meriam, chosen in 1696; died in 1727- 

Samuel Stone, 1696; 1703. 

Samuel Stone, jun. — iri5, 1732. 

Joseph Estabrook, 1716; 1733. 

Joseph Brown, 1727; 1764. 

John Laughton, ■ 17 >3; dismissed to Harvard chh.lr44. 

Joseph Estabrook, 1733; died in 1740. 

John Stone, 1743; 1762. 

Joseph Loiing, 1741; 1746. 

James Brown, —— 17.'>6; . — 1763. 

Joseph Loring 17 j6; , 1787. 

Jonas Stone, — — 1766; -^— — 1790. 

Benjamin Brown, — — 1763; . 1802. 

John Bridge, 1787; 105. 

Nathan Heed, 1787; resigned, 1SQ8; died, ISi!, 

James Brown, 1803. 

Isaac Hastings, — ISjS. 



^8 

resided here while they were members of college, 
have been favored with the privileges of a public edu- 
cation. Nineteen of these have been preachers, and 
seventeen ordained ministers.* 



• John Hancock, A. M. gradiiatetl 1719; was ordained over the north 
dmrch in Braintree, Nov. 2, 1726; died May 7, 1744, &. 41. 

Jonathan Bowman, A. M. grad. 1724; was ordained at Dorchester, 
Nov. 5, 1729; died, May 30, 1775. 

Ebenezer Hancock, A. M. grad. 1728; was ordained colleague with 
Lis father in this town, Jan, 2, 1734; died, Jan. 28, 1740, A- 29. 

Edmund Bowman, A. M. g-rad- 1728; was a merchant in Portsmouth, 
N. H. 

Thaddeus Mason, A. M. grad. 1728; was many years clerk oT the 
Conn of Common Fleas for Middlese.x; died. May 1, 1802; J¥.. 96. 

Philemon Robbins, A M, grad. 1729; was ordained at Branford, Con, 

Josiah l^.rown, A. M. gcad. 1:35; was a preacher; died at Lancaster, 
March 4, 1774 &. 59. 

Matthew Bridg.-, A. M. grad 1741; was ordained at Framiiigham, 
February 19, 1746; died, September 3. 1775, JE. 35. 

Naihaniei Tr.Msk, A. M. grad- 17-i2; was ordained at Epping, N. H.— 
died in 1789, J£. 67. 

Nathaniel Hubbins, A.M. grad 1747; was ordained at Milton, Feb- 
ruary 13, 1751; aied May, 19, 1795, JE. 63. 

Jopas Mer ;ur., A M grad. 1755; was ordained at Newton, March 
22, 175S;<lied, Aug. 13, 17'60 JE. >0. 

Josiah Lridge, A. M. grad 1,' i8; was ordained at East Sudbury, 
Novenu'cr4, 1761; died June 19, 1801, JE. 62. 

Sam::^;-,Fiske,A-M. grad. 1759; was an episcopal minister in — Carolina. 

Micaii Lnwrence, A. M. grad. 1; 59. was ordained at Winchester, N • 
H. Nov.imL';-i 14, 1764; died January 1794, JE. 55- 

Ephr.".!:! VVoolsun. A. B. gr;id. 176'J; was a physician in Hanover, N. 
H; died, Jan.— 1802. .£.61. 

Jostpli Brown, A. M. grad. 17C3; was ordained at Winchendon, May 
24, 1769; died,— 1811. 

Amos Winsliip. A. M- M. B. grad 1771. 

Bt.Jamui Muzzy. A B grad. 1774; saded from Boston, Sept. 1777, 
in the privateer, Hero Revenge, as ciiaplaui, and was lost at sea, 

Isaix Reed. A. M. grad. 178U; was a merch;tnt in Littleton; died, 
Dec. 5, 1789, JE 35. 

Ebenezer Bowman, ,-\ M. grad, 1782; attorney at law in Wilksbarre, 
Penn. 

Joseph Eslabrook, A. M. grad- 1782; was ordained at Athol, Novem- 
ber 21, 1787. 



«9 

It would be inexciiseable to pass in silence llioso 
who have manifested their attachments to the clinich 
and town and their desires to promote the interests of 
virtue and religion by generous donations. The com- 
munion table has been richly furnished by the liberal- 
ity of individuals.* In 1700, a bell was given the 
parish by the town of Cambridge. In 1731, the 



Nathan Underwood, A. M. grad- 1788; was ordained at Harwich, 
November 21, 1792. 

Samuel Chandler, A. M. gi-ad- 1790; was ordained at Eliot, N. H. 
Oct. 27, 1792. 

Joseph Dennie, A. B. grad. 1790; instituted and edited the Port Folio, 
a literary publication of high merit, in Philadelphia; died, Jan. 7, 1812. 

Daniel Marrett. A. M. grad. 1790; was ordained at Standish, D. M. 
Sept. 21, 1796. 

William Muzzy, A. B. grad. 1793, was ordained at Sullivan, N. H. 
Feb. 7. 1798. 

Abiel Chandler, A. B. grad. 1798; died, Feb. 11, 1799. 

Phinehas Adams, A. B, grad. 1801. 

Elias Phinney, A. M. grad. 1801; attorney at law in Charlestown. 

Timothy Willington, A. M. M. B. grad. 1806: physician in West 
Cambridge. 

Oliver Danforth, A. B. grad. at Williams College, 1811. 

• The following articles of plate for ^le sacramental service have been 
given by individuals; 

1 tankard by Mrs- Rachel Butterfield. 

1 cup by Deacon Samuel Stone, - - - - • 1715 

1 by Mr. William Reed, jun. .... 1716 

1 by Mr. Samuel Haugh, ..... 1727 

1 by Messrs. David Fiske and Phillip Russel, ■ 1732 

1 by Rev. Ebenezer Hancock. 

1 by Messrs- Matthew Bridge and Thomas Mcri.^m, 1745 

1 by Capt. Samuel Stone, If 52 

1 by Joseph Bowman, Esq. ... - 1755 

1 by Mr. Nathaniel Whittemore, - - . - l7o6 

1 ' by Deacon Joseph Brown, ... - 175J 

1 by Mr. Richard Arms, ..... 17'-^ 

2 by Thomas Hancock. Esq. of Boston, - - 176-i 

I — - by Mr. Isaac Stone - - - ■ - l76a 
1 —by Francis Bowman, Esq. 



. 30 

practical works of the Rev. Richard Baxter, in four 
folio volumes, were given the church by the Honorable 
Samuel Holden, Esq. of London. In 1762, the sec- 
ond bell was given the town by Mr. Isaac Stone.* 
In 1764, a legacy of twenty pounds, lawful money, 
was left the church by Thomas Hancock, Esq. of 
Boston. t In 1779, Mrs. Rachel Butterfield of Bridge- 
water gave the church "thirteen pounds, six shillings 
and eight pence for the purchase of a silver tankard, 
and fifty pounds more to be disposed of as the church 
should think fit."| She also gave the town "fifty 
pounds, the interest of which to be annually improv- 
ed for the use of a school." In 1793, the late Gov- 
ernor Hancock presented the church and congregation 
this Bible, and gave the town one hundred dollars 
towards defraying the expense of building this house 

•The bell, now in use, was purchased in 1801- The clock in the meet- 
ing-house was procured in 1SQ2. 

I He was a son of the Rev. John Hancock of this town, one of the 
principal merchants of New England, a most useful member of society, 
and for many years one of his M:ijf sty's council. He left 1000 pounds 
for founding a professorsliip of tlie Hebrew and other oriental langua- 
ges in Harvard college: 1000 pounds for the society for propagating the 
gospel; 600 pounds towards a hospital for the rcceptiou of persons de- 
prived of their senses; and 200 pounds for a linen factory. Ur. Eliot's 
Biog. Diet. 

i In consequence of the depreciation of paper money, this legacy was 
found, in 1781, to have "sunk in its value, so as in a great measure to 
frustrate the benevv)lcnt and pious intentions of the donor." That a me- 
morial of her kindness miglit be possessed, Mr. Simeon Leonard, the 
executor of her will, generously offered the church ''twenty dollars 
towards purchasing a handsome tankard for the communion table, in 
case the church agreed and saw fit to procure one, engraved with the ii;- 
scription wliich Mrs B. in her life time, had mentioned." The proposal 
vas accepvcd by the churcli, and the tankard, now in use, accordingly 
procured. Ciih. lice. 



31 

of public worship.* The same year, and for the same 
pui'pose, the town received twenty- two dollars from 
the Rev. Jonas Clark — Thankfully may we ever re- 
collect, and carefully transmit to posteiity, the names 
of our kind and pious benefactors. 

The goodness of God has been distinguishingly 
manifested to the church and people in this place. 
Our fathers trusted in Ilim, and he delivered them'; 
they trusted in Him, and were not confounded. In 
their seasons of peril and distress, he was their defence, 
and in their endeavors to honor him, he blessed them. 
He has favored the town with a good degree of health, 
and preserved an unusual number of its inhabitants 
to old age f He has sent into this part of his vine- 
yard faithful laborers; ministers of the everlasting gos- 
pel, who were "burning and shining lights." He has 
blessed the church with seasons of refreshing from his 
presence. His spirit, at times, has come down liAe 
rain upon the mown grass, and as showers that wat- 
er the earth.l The days have been, when there 
were but few, very few, who did not regard the sab- 
bath as "the holy of the l^ord;" when the youth were 

• Gov. Hancock, whose patriotic and bencvo'ent deeils entitled l-.im to 
a distinguished rank among the friends of his country and the benefac- 
tors of mankind, was a son of the Rev. John Hancock of Brainlree, and 
grandson of the Rev. John Hancock of this town. 

f There are now living in town fifty persons, who are over seventy years 
•f age. Of the sevent) -five, who liave died since my ordliiation, twenty 
were seventy and over seventy, and eight over eighty years of age. The 
ntimberof inhabitanvs, according to the last census, is 1052- The num- 
ber of families is 198; of dwelling houses, 158. 

^The admissions to the cliurch, in 1755, were thirty-two; in 1742, 
forty two; in 1723, seventy four- Twcnt} nine, tlie greatest number ad- 
i&d at any one time, were admitted, April 14, 1728. 



L k 



32 

generally united in inquiring the way to Zion;* and 
when the common voice of the people was, on every 
Lord's day. "Let us meet together i« the house of 
God." Harmony has genei'aily prevailed in the 
church and amon^^ the inhabitants. The interfer- 
ence and advice of ecclesiastical councils has, in no in- 
stance, been found necessary to heal divisions — Many 
and various are the instances of divine goodness, which 
we are permitted this day to review. Truly, we may 
say. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. 

Reflect, my brethren, on the years which are past, and 
contemplate the blessings your ancestors enjoyed. Sur- 
vey the rich inheritance which has been transmitted 
from them to you, and let it be the desire of your 
hearts that their god may be your god. If you 
would enjoy the friendship of that almighty Being, 
who was the fountain whence all their mercies flowed, 
let it be your constant and unwearied endeavor to 
imitate their viitues. Be faithful, like them in main- 
taining the ordinances of religion. Cultivate the piety 
which warmed their hearts and adorned their lives, 
and shun the vices which they avoided and reproved. 
I>.ct your houses be houses of prayer, and let your 
youth be tauglit the fear of the Lord, If you be fol- 
lo-icers of them who through faith and patience, inher- 
it tlie promises; if you be stedfast, unmoveahle, always 
abounding in the work of the Lord, the smiles of 
your fathers' God will rest upon you, and unborn 
generations shall ar'ise and call you blessed. But if 
you be a disobedient and backsliding people, the 

• For many years there was a society of young' merij who regularly mei 
on siibbatli evenings for religious purposes. 






Lord will ^*^/t^ against you with the sword of his 
mouth, and remove this candlestick out of its jjlace. 

The time may not be far distant, when he, who now 
addresses you. will be numbered with the dead. When 
that time arrives, and either you or your children shall 
be called to the important duty of seeking one to min- 
ister to you in holy things, remember how you have 
heard, and let no man deceive you with enticing iwrds. 
As you love your own souls, and as you value the 
eternal interests of your posterity, guard against those 
who pei*vert the Gospel of Christ. Believe not every 
spirit; but try the spirits, whether they be of God; for 
many false jyrophets are gone out into the world. You 
will need counsel and assistance. Ask it of them who 
feel the power and know the value of divine truth. 
Ask it, especially, of God. Earnestly implore his light 
and guidance. Importunately suppiicatc tbat he would 
give you a pastor after his own heart, and (hat he 
would never suffer this holy ground to be polluted by 
the feet of "wolves in sheep's clothing." And we be- 
seech you ever to know them which labor among you, 
and are over you in the IjOiyL and admonish you; and 
to esteem them very highly in love for their work's 
sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 

Our time, my brethren, is short. Man's days are 
as grass. As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth; 
for the wind passeth over it, and it is gone, and the 
place thereof shall know it no more. A review of 
past scenes is powerfully calculated to remind us of 
the fleeting nature of time and the instability of all 
earthly things. How numerous and vast are the 
changes which have been effected in a century! What 

multitudes have been gathered to the congregation of 
5 



^ 




^^ 014 077 543 5 

the dead! Wiiat cosiimotions and revolutions has the 
world ex[)cnenced! — Future years will unfold occur- 
rences no less interesting and important. The millions 
of the human race, who now iniiabit the earth, are in 
rapid succession going to the house a^jmnted for all 
the living; and the present agitation of the nations is 
tending to the accomplishment of events, which will 
deeply and extensively affect the condition of future 
generations. With tcembling fear and hope we con- 
template the scenes which are passing, and desire to 
look into futurity — But, in the multitude of our 
thoughts, let us not be unmindful "what manner of 
persons we are." Let us not forget that the ever- 
llowing stream of time is rapidly bearing us to the 
ocean of eternity. 

— Life speeds away 



Fi'om point to |)()iiU, liioiig'h seeming to stand still; 

Tlie cunn'iiijj t'uyit'Mc is swift by sVeallh; 

T(5() si!l4;,ie is llie movement to be seen; 

Yet soon man's i^.our is up, and we are gone. — Young. 

Sensible of the important errand on which we are 
§ent into the world, and conscious of the worth of 
time, let us do with our might what our hands find to 
do; for there is no <work, nor device, nor knowledge, 
nor "iclsdom isi the grave, whither we go. Let us live 
the lives of tlie rigliteous. that we may die their death. 
Let us waliv in those paths of godliness which our 
pious ancestors, now in glory, pursued; that we may 
stand with them hereafter on the holy hill of Zion, 
and unite our voices v/ith thrirs in ascribing blessing, 

AND HONOR, AND GLORY, AND POWB^R, UNTO HIM THAT 
SITTETH UPON TilE THRONE, AND UNTO THE LaM" 
FOR EVEii AND EVER. 



• /' 



i 



f 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 077 543 5 • 



HOLLINGER 
pH 8.5 



